The Tom Fun Orchestra – Live (March 8th, 2008)

Seems nowadays there isn’t a whole lot you can count on. But if you live in Toronto in March, well you can count on two things. Totally shitty weather and a whole onslaught of amazing live music played in legendary bars or BYOB house parties for Canadian Music Week.

And with more than 500 bands playing at 44 venues you know there are going to be some diamonds in the rough. This year the diamond was found at the Dakota Tavern, and the band goes by the name of the Tom Fun Orchestra. A nine-piece fury from Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Now the word must be out on TFO, because The Dakota was packed and it did not look promising that I would be getting in because of the lineup. Luckily Rebel Music Rob had my back, and got me in.

The TFO played as I rushed down the stairs, turned down a drink and got front and center for photographs. The room was swaying back and forth in unison with pint glasses in the air, as the Orchestra soulfully played their rootsy, rebel rousing, traditional, whiskey drenched east coast music.

There was definitely are large east coast presence in the room and everyone else seemed to be related to one of the nine on stage. I have no idea how long they have been around, but there performance was tight. This will be a band to watch for sure. They boldly wear their musical influences on their sleeves, but the way they interpret the music and make it their own is phenomenal as well as original.

By the end of their set I was an instant fan and was fully aware how special this band is. Shows like these are why you go out in blizzard conditions, stand in line, and stay out till 4am. If you here that The Tom Fun Orchestra are coming to town grab a rum and tequila, and make your way to the Cabaret.